The unmanned flying petrol station

Boeing's MQ-25 T1 drone has refuelled a US Navy fighter jet in flight for the first time. The F/A-18 Super Hornet first approached the renamed tanker to within a few metres to check whether it was in stable flight. The refuelling hose was then extended and the pilot managed to connect his jet to the docking device. After taking on the intended amount of fuel, the aircraft separated and both aircraft returned safely to MidAmerica Airport in Macoutah, Illinois, where they had previously taken off.
The manoeuvre is of great importance because it shows that the MQ-25 not only flies safely and stably, but can also perform the intended steps of the refuelling process without error. The T1 belongs to Boeing and only serves as a test object. As soon as development is complete, an initial seven units will be delivered to the Navy as part of a contract signed in 2018. They will be used in several roles on the US aircraft carriers. In addition to the tanker role, the drone's future tasks will also include ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance). However, there is still a long way to go until then. In the coming months, the data from the flight will first be analysed and changes made to the software where necessary. The engine will also have to undergo further tests before the first take-offs and landings on an aircraft carrier can finally take place. The MQ-25 T1 completed its first test flight from land almost two years ago, in September 2019.
To date, the Navy has also used F/A-18s to refuel its fighter aircraft in the air. With the introduction of the UAVs, they will be able to take over this task in future, making these high-quality assets available for combat missions. Compared to jets, they are not only more cost-effective, but can also be operated in danger zones without endangering human life. In addition, they are quickly ready for the next mission after returning to the carrier. So it's no wonder that the US Navy wants to deploy the MQ-25 on its carriers as soon as possible.

The refuelling process was carried out safely

Text: mb; Photos: Boeing